1922 – Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey – White Face Clown on left
So you’ve just found the most amazing circus poster online and want to bid on it. Or maybe you are thinking about buying one at an antique mall. How do you know it is real? Could it be a reproduction? You aren’t sure. What can you do?
Size is the first clue about whether or not a poster is original. The majority of collectible posters are one-sheet (28 inches by 42 inches) or half-sheet. But posters also came in larger sizes — three-sheet, six-sheet, nine-sheet, 16-sheet, 20-sheet, 28-sheet and many other sizes. One of the largest ever produced was for Buffalo Bill’s Wild West, a gigantic 108-sheet billboard.
For more information about reproduciton circus posters, read “Is That Old Circus Poster You Found Authentic or a Reproduction? More Answers.”
The circus poster reproductions seen most often are the six printed in 1960 by Circus World Museum in Baraboo, Wisconsin and the vast assortment printed by Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey beginning in the early 1970s and continuing through the early 1980s. Those are the ones we will concentrate on in this article. Some of those posters are shown above.
Al G. Barnes Circus Tiger Riding Elephant
Circus World Museum posters
The posters printed by Circus World Museum measure 13 ¼ inches by 19 inches each. If they haven’t been altered it’s easy to identify them because in the lower left border it says “Copyright 1960 Circus World Museum.” But I have seen these in antique shows with that line trimmed off and being passed off as original. Sometimes they are neatly framed and matted. The posters were originally sold as a set in a folder that said “Old Time Circus Posters – Six Colorful, Authentic Reproductions – Each Resplendent and Spectacular Reproduction is an Eye Feast of Beauty That Captures All the Unparalleled Magnificence of the Original Poster.”
The titles and images of the six posters are:
Ringling Bros. – Army of 50 Clowns
Barnum & Bailey – Peerless Prodigies of Physical Phenomena . . .
Barnum & Bailey – The Meers Sisters
Al G. Barnes Circus – Tiger riding on an elephant
Adam Forepaugh & Sells Bros. – Automobile Double Forward Somersault
Forepaugh & Sells Brothers – Hippopotamus & Rhinoceros
 Ringling Bros. – Army of 50 Clowns |
 Barnum & Bailey – Peerless Prodigies … |
 Barnum & Bailey – The Meers Sisters |
 Adam Forepaugh & Sells Bros. – Automobile |
Forepaugh & Sells Brothers – Hippo & Rhino
Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey posters
In the early 1970s Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey began reproducing many of their historic posters. They were advertised as “The Only Antique Posters Authorized by The Greatest Show On Earth.” These reproductions were sold at the concessions stands on the traveling shows and by mail as advertised in the souvenir program book. They were also sold in the gift shops at their theme park, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus World, which opened in 1974 in central Florida near Disney World.
Beginning with the 100th Anniversary Program in 1970, some of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey programs had poster reproductions inserted in the program book. These varied in size, but were about 16 inches by 20 inches. It’s easy to identify them because they were folded in quarters and have staple holes where they were inserted into the program. They continued this for several years.
In 1970 the 100th Edition of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey souvenir program advertised a set of four posters measuring 26 inches x 17 inches for $3.98 per set.
Those posters were:
Barnum & Bailey – Tiger Head – Blue Background
Barnum & Bailey – 1000 Skits by 50 Original Clowns
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey – Giraffe Neck Women from Burma
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey – Dainty Miss Leitzel
 Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey – Giraffe Neck Women |
 Barnum & Bailey – 1000 Skits by 50 Original Clowns |
 Barnum & Bailey – Tiger Head, Blue |
 Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey – Dainty Miss Leitzel |
Individual Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey posters
Starting in 1971 individual posters could be ordered from the souvenir program book. They were advertised as approximately 24 inches by 17 inches. All of these posters had an order number printed in the lower corner which begins with the letter “P.”
Here’s a list of these posters:
 Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey – Chariot Races, Blue Background |
 1897 – Ringling Bros., Three Famous Aerial Artists |
P-103 – 1935 – Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey – Chariot Races – Blue Background
P-104 – 1897 – Ringling Bros. – Three Famous Aerial Artists
P-105 – 1904 – Barnum & Bailey – The Great Florenz Troupe
P-109 – 1921 – Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey – Polar Bear – Red Background
P-113 – 1938 – Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey – Gargantua the Great
P-114 – 1938 – Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey – Terrell Jacobs & Lions
P-116 – 1888 – Ringling Bros. – Portraits of the five brothers
P-117 – 1927 – Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey – May Wirth
P-118 – 1933 – Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey – Felix and 99 other Famous Clowns
P-123 – 1904 – Barnum & Bailey – Blue Ribbon Winners – High Jumpers
P-125 – 1917 – Barnum & Bailey – Clown Standing over Tents – Blue Background
P-127 – 1920 – Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey – Worlds Biggest Menagerie – Elephant Head & other Animals
P-128 – 1916 – Barnum & Bailey – By the Hair of their Heads
P-131 – 1900 – Barnum & Bailey – Clown Band – German Text
P-132 – 1915 – Barnum & Bailey – Great Groups of Trained Wild Beasts including Mlle. Adgie
P-136 – 1928 – Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey – Crouching Lion
P-137 – 1895 – Ringling Bros. Mlle Elena
P-141 – 1922 – Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey – White Face Clown on left
P-143 – 1916 – Barnum & Bailey – Pallenberg – Bears That Dance
P-144 – 1913 – Barnum & Bailey – Great Free Street Parade
P-146 – 1916 – Barnum & Bailey – Roaring Tiger Head
P-149 – 1936 – Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey – Seated Clowns with Circus on their backs
P-152 – 1900 – Ringling Bros. – Portraits of the five brothers
P-153 – 1897 – Barnum & Bailey – Portraits of Barnum & Bailey
P-155 – 1932 – Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey – 5 Big Herds of Performing Elephants
P-157 – 1903 – Barnum & Bailey – Miss Helen Girard
P-158 – 1906 – Barnum & Bailey – A Whole Horse Show
P-159 – 1925 – Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey – Chariot Races- Red Background
P-162 – Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey – Giraffe Neck Women
P-202 – 1883 – Buffalo Bill’s Wild West – Featuring Indians
 1904 – Barnum & Bailey; The Great Florenz Troupe |
 1938 – Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey; Gargantua the Great |
 1938 – Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey; Terrell Jacobs & Lions |
 1888 – Ringling Bros. – Portraits of the five brothers |
 1927 – Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey; May Wirth |
 1933 – Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey – Felix and 99 other Famous Clowns |
 1920 – Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey; Worlds Biggest Menagerie – Elephant Head |
 1916 – Barnum & Bailey; By the Hair of their Heads |
 1904 – Barnum & Bailey; Blue Ribbon Winners – High Jumpers |
 1917 – Barnum & Bailey; Clown Standing over Tents – Blue Background |
 1900 – Barnum & Bailey; Clown Band – German Text |
 1915 – Barnum & Bailey; Great Groups of Trained Wild Beasts |
 1900 – Ringling Bros.; Portraits of the five brothers |
 1897 – Barnum & Bailey – Portraits of Barnum & Bailey |
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey posters – Larger size
 1936 – Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey; Seated Clowns |
 1932 – Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey – 5 Big Herds of Performing Elephants |
 1906 – Barnum & Bailey; A Whole Horse Show |
 1903 – Barnum & Bailey; Miss Helen Girard |
In 1976, the 105th Edition of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Program began to advertise the posters as 23 ½ inches by 36 ¼ inches. Sometimes they were advertised as 2 feet by 3 feet. Many were the same images as sold before, only the size was larger.
Here’s a list of those posters:
P-1 – 1883 – Buffalo Bill’s Wild West – Featuring Indians
P-2 – 1895 – Ringling Bros. Mlle Elena
P-3 – 1916 – Barnum & Bailey – Pallenberg – Bears That Dance
P-4 – 1916 – Barnum & Bailey – Roaring Tiger Head
P-5 – 1917 – Barnum & Bailey – Clown Standing over Tents – Blue Background
P-6 – 1920 – Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey – Worlds Biggest Menagerie – Elephant Head & other Animals
P-7 – 1921 – Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey – Polar Bear – Red Background
P-8 – 1925 – Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey – Chariot Races- Red Background
P-9 – 1928 – Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey – Crouching Lion
P-10 – 1933 – Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey – Felix and 99 other Famous Clowns
P-11 – 1938 – Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey – Terrell Jacobs & Lions
P-12 – 1938 – Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey – Gargantua the Great
P-20 – Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey – Seal Act
P-24 – Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey – Seven Clown Heads
P-25 – Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey – Trains more than one a third mile long
P-26 – Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey – Congress of World Famous Horse Acts
P-27 – Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey – Leaping Tiger
P-28 – P.T. Barnum & Great London Circus – Jumbo the Elephant
P-29 – Barnum & Bailey – Four Giraffes
In the 1978 souvenir program the numbers following the letter “P” were incorrect and did not match the numbers on the posters, but that was corrected the following year.
1921 – Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey; Polar Bear, Red Background
 1925 – Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey; Chariot Races, Red Background |
 1928 – Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey; Crouching Lion |
 1883 – Buffalo Bill’s Wild West; Featuring Indians |
 1895 – Ringling Bros.; Mlle Elena |
 1916 – Barnum & Bailey; Pallenberg – Bears That Dance |
 Barnum & Bailey; Four Giraffes |
 Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey; Seven Clown Heads |
 Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey; Trains more than one a third mile long |
 Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey; Congress of World Famous Horse Acts |
 Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey; Leaping Tiger |
Beware of cheap circus poster reproductions
There are many circus poster reproductions, but the ones listed above seem to be the most common. They are frequently up for auction on eBay and are regularly seen in antique shows and malls. None of these posters have much value—less than $5 each—but they are sometimes advertised as “guaranteed original,” with prices in the hundreds of dollars. Usually, the seller really believes they are authentic and isn’t trying to rip you off.
If you just want to decorate your walls and don’t care about value, there are some nice reproductions and they are not hard to find. Just be very careful when you want to buy an original.
Larry Kellogg is a WorthPoint Worthologist specializing in circus memorabilia.
WorthPoint—Discover Your Hidden Wealth
Hello Larry!
Thank you for your article! It was so helpful. I recently purchased a vintage Ringling Bros poster with a tiger and lion featured on it with beautiful reds and yellows. I measured the size and it’s 28″ wide and 44″ tall. Is this an original? It’s slightly taller than the size you recommended. I would be happy to send you photos if your interested. Also, do you have advice on how to frame the poster? Is there anything I can do to preserve the poster?
Thank you Larry! I’m so excited I came across your article.
-Rachel
I’ve sent you an email reply.
Hi Larry,
Just returned from a trip to Palm Springs where I stayed at a small hotel that had been previously owned and decorated by some old-time Hollywood set designers. In a patio, right behind a covered bar, they had the most amazing circus poster. It measured approximately 6 feet by 8 feet. It was cut in 6 vertical strips and mounted to boards to created what looked like a screen. It was a Ringling Bros. B&b , red with yellow lettering., depicting a clown in white w/ blue stripes, smiling and tipping his cap. It looked old, slightly tattered, but still very colorful . My question is: does this sound original, and if so, what would the value be? Are there any companies out there that produce huge poster reproductions like that? I took a pic of it if you want it. Thanks
I have a (approx. 12 x 20) cardboard advertisement for Barnum, Bailey, and Hutchinson. It’s for Jumbo The childrens giant pet. No numbers no dates…nothing. But they all have a metal grommet in the top middle for hanging. Maybe given as a souvenir or something?
Correction, they are approx 16 x 11
Thank you SO much for your informative (and easy to understand) article. You saved me from wasting a good amount of money! Thanks again!
does anyone know about the rarity/value of a 1928 (supposedly) Barnum and bailey 100 clowns poster?
I have another poster in question; the seller says it is 28 x 38 inches in size. It says ringling bros on the left upper and barnum and bailey on the right upper with the words “combined show” under barnum and bailey in smaller lettering.
Beneath the lettering, is a large lion with a large mane of hair in a rather poised fierce stance facing to the left, with mouth open as if roaring.
They also say it is from 1928 — would this be authentic?
Joseph, Without seeing the poster I couldn’t say. The size seems to be about correct for an original. An orignal one-sheet poster measures 42 inches by 28 inches. The poster may have been trimmed.
i have a poster with one lion jumping and tiger jumping over the top of him and in the middle of the poster its blue and says ringling bros and barnum bailey circus in the boyyom left hand corner it has p-21___121 is this the real deal im affraid to say what i paid for it.
Hi, Larry, Thanks for the great article. I have the same poster as jerry marlett (above) and also one with a leaping leopard that is RBros. B&B, numbered P-18, 23.5 by 36 inches. Should I assume they are both from the 1976 reproductions, only worth about $5 each? I got them free in a box of other things.
Janice, Yes, these reproductions are very common and have very little value . . . $5 or less.
Larry, I have a 7 clown heads poster 23.5 inch by 36.25 inch. It has markings P-24 124 on the bottom left. Can I assume it’s a repro?
I have an authentic: 1921 – Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey; Polar Bear — Is it worth anything?
Larry,
I have 5 posters all under glass and sized 15-1/2″x22″ with copyrights of 1903 and 1904 and some with only the c and no year. All made by Strobridge Litho Co.in Cincinnati and NY…includes May Wirth, A Whole Horse Show, Miss Helen Girard, High Jumpers and Combined Shows (Chariot Rider). To the best of your knowledge, are these originals and if so, what type of value do they have?
Dear Larry,
We have a poster of the following description and wonder if you can tell if it’s anything of value.
Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey combined shows. May Wirth the Greatest Bare Back Rider of All Time. The Greatest Show on Earth (on a blue globe in the lower right corner). 22 x 32.5″ Dark blue background.
I have seen reproductions online of this poster and none of them have the globe in the lower right corner.
It is in excellent shape with only some foxing on the reverse, and a bit along the front edges.
It does not appear to have been trimmed in any way.
I would appreciate any thoughts you might have about it.
Sincerely,
Heather Shanks
I have sent you an email response.
Hello Larry,
I see that I put down the wrong email address – would you please send your response again to the address now listed? I apologize for the inconvenience.
Best regards,
Heather
does enyone know the value of a par of ringling bros and barnum bailey collector series tickets
Larry,
Can you please advise on my question from April 21st? If you search jumbo the childrens giant pet on worthpoint it shows 2 posters just like mine that sold on eBay in 2003 and 2008
Thanks
Julie, What is your question? The two posters you mention sold in 2003 and 2008 are reproductions.
You just answered it thanks!
Hi
I bought a May Wirth poster on Ebay that is framed and measures 21 inches by 31 inches (although may be slightly larger due to some of it being under glass). There doesn’t appear to be any numbers as per your article printed on it. Does it seem an original?
It’s possible that it is an original 1/2 sheet but I wouldn’t be able to give you a definite answer without seeing the poster.
Hi Larry , I also have the P-29 ___129 “FOUR GIRAFFES”. Is this one any different if it states “Copyright 1918 by the Strobridge Litho.Co” on the poster? THANKS
Susan,
That one is also a reproduction. The 1918 is the date of the original.
Hi, my dad was a carpet salesman in the 60′s and 70′s. For being a top seller, he was mailed a poster each month with a congrats letter from B.F. Goodrich 100th Anniversary sponge rubber carpet cushion “Big Top” centennial 1970. He received 6 circus posters approx. 17″ X 24″. My questions are, only 3 of the 6 “P” numbers match up to your list, four of them do match the set of 4 advertised for sale but the others do not. Would there have been a special run made for the B.F. Goodrich Co.? Does the 100th Anniv. letter make these posters anymore valuable as a pair? They are #P163-50 original clowns, P119-Miss Leitzel, P146-Tiger head, P162-Giraffe neck women, P107-Bring-Em back alive Frank Buck, and P113-Gargantua Gorilla. I appreciate your time and enjoyed reading your research. Rhonda
Rhonda, No your posters would not have a greater value than the ones mentioned in the article. The only posters that have significant value are originals.
larry ,I own polar bear p-7 —- 1921 and the mile long train p-25——–125,also p-31—–131 ringling bros and barnum bailey combined cicus bunch of african animals pictured. do you know their value i want to sell them
Dan,
As stated in my article above, these reproductions are worth less than $5 each in good condition.
are they reproduction because of the number system on them
The numbers indicate these are reproductions.
Hi larry,
I acquired a poster of may wirth “the greatest bareback rider of all time” it is overlapping in four parts and measures 27 x 19.5 inches.
It’s got the usual: c the stobridge litho. Co. cinti & N Y, bottom right. Top right it says: R-B 2550
Sound original?
Thanks, Ian
Ian,
I would need to see the poster to give you more information.
Hi~i’m really confused! I have P-128-1916 that was left to me when a family memeber died. I had it appraised by a company in Ohio and they went through Kovels and told me thta it was worth $500.00 even though it’s a Repoduction. I’m selling it and it has been framed since 1970′s. Thanks
Susan,
These poster reproductions are very common and are frequently listed online on sites like eBay. They seldom get a bid because knowledgeable collectors know of their low value. Occasionally they will sell but it is usually because they are listed as original or because the buyer has not done any research. This week one of these posters sold on eBay for $42. The listing said it was original but it also said it was from 1960. Neither statement was true. Having a poster framed like yours would increase the value but only by the price you paid for the frame. It is very easy to find these posters for $5 or $10 or less.
Hello. I have an 18″ X 24″ Ringling Brothers poster mounted on what seems to be fiberboard. It says Ringling Bros. with no “Barnum & Bailey” and features the Four McCrees equestrians. I have not seen such a print on eBay or your site. In the lower left corner is the inscription “Published for Soroka Sales Inc.”
Any clues?
This is a decorative wall hanging created in the 1970s. It has very little value.
I recently purchased several Ringling brothers programs ranging from 1973 up to 1987. Many have posters inside that have never been removed. The bicentennial edition one from 1975 not only has a poster, but also autographs of several of the performers both on the first page and by their photo in the program. How do I value this edition?
Also, was there a poster in each program during these years? I assume the value is less if the program does not have the poster.
thanks for your help
Linda
Linda,
Thank you for your question. All the programs from that period had some type of insert. Usually it was a poster but some years it was a sheet of postcards or other items. I am not allowed to evaluate items here but I can tell you those programs have little value. If you will click on the “Research Your Items” tab you will find two ways to find advice about value—the “Worthopedia – Price Guide” and “Ask a Worthologist – Expert Advice.”
If I was to have an original of one of these posters (Al G. Barnes Circus Tiger Riding Elephant) what would the value be of it?
Thanks!
Cynthia,
Thank you for your question. The purpose of this response section is to ask questions or make comments about the article above. I am not allowed to evaluate items here. If you will click on the “Research Your Items” tab you will find two ways to find advice about value—the “Worthopedia – Price Guide” and “Ask a Worthologist – Expert Advice.”
My apology. and thank you i will look into that.
Larry,
Thank you for your article. My question is you talk about how to spot reproductions. My assumtion is that if the said items are not on a poster it is real???
I have three posters found in my mothers house after her death. None of them have dates. Only Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus on one side and Litho.in U.S.A on the other.
One is blue horizonal has clown in left side and has Maxwell Frederic Coplan next to it.
One is green and red border with a leporad head in middle.
the last one says Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Combined shows inc on one side and Litho.in U.S.A on the other side and shows a Lone trapeeze Girl upside down holding onto a gold and red rope, Blue background and white border.
Any information you can give me would be wonderful.
Thanks
John Chism
I have sent you an email.
Hi, I was given s neat little poster of the Saxon Trio. They are depicted performing several feats of strength, including them holding up a bridge with a car driving over it. The poster measures. 24″ X 18″ the paper is rather thick, similar to an index card. I can see pixels shaped like rosettes in the colored areas, but the black is solid. The poster has the Strobridge Lito Co.logo dated 1909 in the bottom right inside the border. Outside of the border on the very bottom edge is Litho in USA.
Craig,
Your poster is a reproduction.
Hello Larry. First off thanks for your generosity in publishing this article and sharing your wealth of knowledge on this topic. I too have come across a cool looking poster it is approximately 40 x 28 inches and on the poster it reads 3 ring poster and in the lower left hand corner on the horizontal there is a marking No 101-F.
I’d be glad to forward along photos if you could help me!
Thanks,
Sebastian
Hi, I have a poster showing a menagerie at a water hole with Ringling Bros on the left and Barnum & Bailey on right and combined circus in the middle. Number at bottom is P-31-131. It is 36×24. I did not see the number included in your list. Does that mean it’s from 1978 and numbered incorrectly, but still only worth $5? Or is it an extremely rare and valuable item??
Hi. Is there anyway I can send you a picture of one that I have..I cannot find it anywhere..nor even mention of it..It has 2 white clowns on either side of a girl standing on a white horse busting thru a round circle..there are also poodles at the ft of ea clown…thanks :)
Forgot Larry, it also says The Greatest Show on Earth Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey
bonjour,Larry,je viens de lire vos conseils sur les fausses affiches et je ne sais que penser;moi je possede 6 affiches avec des tailles 19X15 mais aucune ne correspond a celles que vous citez j’ai (jessie millar 1895?,coney island meme epoque,congo geant 1898,jumbo cloon elephant 1900?(london edition)madame bradanas 1914,et the ching-ling-he an tia pen trouper 1914 toutes sont strobridge cincinnati & new york elles ont ete achetees aux puces a Paris dans les annees 1960 je serais ravi si vous pouvez me donner un avis merci d’avance
I am not familiar with any of the posters you list but judging from the size they are not originals. I would assume they are French reproductions.
I bought a picture mirror with it on has army of 50 clowns on bbottom middle and just RINGLING BROS ON TOP CENTER.IT IS A POSTER THAT IS IN BACK OF A MIRROR.I CAN NOT FIND ANOTHER LIKE IT AND WOUNDER HOW MUCH IT WAS WORTH.IT IS 21 AND HALF BY 16 MIRROR.
Thank you for your question. I am not allowed to evaluate items here. If you will click on the “Research Your Items” tab you will find two ways to find advice about value—the “Worthopedia – Price Guide” and “Ask a Worthologist – Expert Advice.”
I HAVE A MIRROR WITH A POSTER BEHIND IT SHOWING 50 CLOWNS.IT IS 21 AND A HALF INCHES BY 16 INCHES AND AT TOP CENTER IT SAYS RINGLING BROS AND BOTTOM CENTER ARMY OF 50 CLOWNS.I CAN NOT FIND ANOTHER ONE LIKE IT TO COMPARE TO AND WANT TO KNOW WHAT IT IT WORTH.
Hi I purchased four of the six 1960 posters. They all measure 13 1/2 by 19, and have the 1960 copyright. They are in good condition and I have pics. They are mounted to some kind of brown board. The boards look original to the posters I came across them at an estate sale and would love to see them go to a good home, I just need help determining the value because I can’t find a similar one on ebay. Thanks
Hi, I am looking for information on an elaborately framed ringling bros poster of trains 1 and 1/3 miles long. It is framed in red and gold with gold swirls painted on the frame all the way around. It appears very old, frame is hinged together in the corners with an unusual fastener. I would be happy to send pictures if you are willing to share some information. Thank you darlyne
Darlyne,
I’ve sent you an email.
I got poster labeled
“THE BARNUM & BAILEY GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH”
“ATTRACTION EXTRAORDINARY”
“A Congress of 50 of Japan’s Famous Strong Men, and women gladiators, swordsmen,wrestlersJiu-Jitsu and athletic champions”
Poster is framed but size including frame is 15-1/4 tall X 19-1/4 inches long.
Upper right corner is labeled “13-B NP 221″
Is this a reprint?
My friend has a1927 – Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey; May Wirth poster which has been identified by another appraiser as authentic but we would like to know what you think and what it’s worth. The poster measures 21 inches by 31 inches.
I have three of the posters you mention in your blog P-6 – 1920 – Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey – Worlds Biggest Menagerie – Elephant Head & other Animals, P-118 – 1933 – Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey – Felix and 99 other Famous Clowns,and P-2 – 1895 – Ringling Bros. Mlle Elena. I bought them from the Ringling Brother Circus (probably around the time they were issued. One has a slight tear that has been restored and all three are currently in conservation framing. Now the question you probably get a million times a day, are they worth anything? Should I insure them? I love the circus and that is why I have these, but I would love to have some other posters, perhaps even vintage. E:mail blackcatexpress@yahoo.com
Thank you.
Larry,
I purchased a poster at auction that appears to be attached to an old piece of tent canvas. It is a 1945 Ringling Brothers Poster of an elephant hoisting a clown. Is their any way to find out if this would have been on an actual circus tent or if someone bought it and put it on there at home? I paid $30. There are some tears around the edges and the poster is a little rough from obviously being outside.
Thanks,
Kim
Hi so i found 4 posters while i was cleaning out my attic and i have what appears to be original posters such as the red back ground with the polar bear… they seem to be legit but im not sure there deff not new they prolly be up there 20 years at least if there reproductions there old ones id assume they are the correct size and very bright still and in very good condition with the correct numbers on them if anyone knows more about this please contact me
I have the 7 clowns poster/billboard framed. It was given to me as a gift 18 years ago, and I was told it was an original and that she’d had it in her family for some time. It looks like it is made of card board and not regular poster paper if that makes sense. It has no folds of any kind to it but has some small ripples in the cardboard that are barely noticeable. Could it be an original? There are no letters or numbers showing, and I can’t remove it from the framing without ripping the framing’s backing. It is the 23 1/2 x 36 1/4.
I have a set of 6 authentic reproductions which include:
Ringling Bros Show Greatest Show on Earth 14-R-189 1914
The Barnum & Bailey Greatest Show on Earth – The Celebrated Ponies “Jupiter” and Joie 1903 B No. 46 1898
Christy Bros 5 Ring Wild Animal Show – Riverside Print Co. Chicago Milwaukee 3370
Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Combined Shows – The Children’s Favorite Clown R-?-2021 192?
The Barnum & Bailey Greatest Show on Earth The Thriller Supreme – Desperado’s Terrible Leap for Life … ??? B No. 212 190?
The Barnum & Bailey Greatest Show on Earth – Attraction Extraordinary – A Congress of 50 of Japan’s Famous Strong Men and Women, Gladiators, Swordsmen, Wrestlers, Jiu-Jitsu and Athletic Champions 13 B No. 221 1???
How do I get more information?
Thank you for your time.
EJ